LDoA Advice (+ Survivor)

I'm an experienced player and have been playing for a while - done a couple of characters as LDoA myself - ranger (with a buddy) complete, necro complete, mesmer (currently) lvl 10, and warrior (on pause) lvl 13.

Not having trouble with the goty bonuses myself but my friend who is doing LDoA for the first time is. She's playing a necro and following u/sirjisu LDoA build (with a bit of advice from me on occasion). Obviously this is an ongoing issue not yet addressed by the team (no fault of theirs, they've got a lot happening rn with reforged) but acknowledged by us the players.

Just curious what weapon she (and I) should be going for?
I'm at lvl 10 (nearly 11) on the Mes and am running the best blue focus I have been able to find paired with the bonus mes weapon.

Friend is running I think a starter necro wand (hasn't been able to find any half-decent ones).

Also I'm trying to do a semi-casual survivor title at the same time and was wondering if (other than mapping out if things look like they're getting sketchy) there's any alternative methods that are a bit safer? I'm running with the imp and a stalker for extra dmg/buffer between myself and the enemies. Ik that survivor goes way above and beyond the LDoA title and there are better farming methods in post and through Factions, etc. but i figured once I'm LDoA i have an easy time in post from ascalon to the end of the jungle and rarely ever die unless I get cocky. Advice for post-going-factions survivor title grind also appreciated <3